Reviews of fire response expected in coming weeks
Mason also working on feasibility study for second highway out, Notley says
FORT MCMURRAY When last year’s wildfire scattered tens of thousands of people across the country, Albertans showed the world that even under the worst circumstances, they will look out for one another, said Premier Rachel Notley Wednesday during a visit to Fort McMurray.
Yet, the emotional and mental toll of that day will outlast the rebuilding of Fort McMurray and Anzac, and will be much more challenging for many to face, she said.
“These are still the early days of our recovery. We know it’ll be a much longer process than any of us could ever want, especially those affected,” said Mayor Melissa Blake during a visit to Father Beauregard School in Abasand with Notley.
“As the premier said on the first of June, ‘This will be the work of years, not weeks’. ”
The May 2016 wildfire is considered the most expensive insured disaster in Canadian history, destroying 2,579 homes, apartments and businesses.
The most recent information from the municipality, issued in April, indicates more than 650 rebuilding permits have been issued.
However, only 31 buildings have been rebuilt.
The wildfire has also renewed calls for the construction of the East Clearwater Highway, which would offer a second highway out of Fort McMurray. Notley says Transportation Minister Brian Mason is working with the municipality on starting a feasibility report on the project.
Notley estimates the Alberta government is two to four weeks from completing two reviews of the wildfire, which will examine what went well and what went wrong during the evacuation, wildfire preparedness and preparation, and what happened in the weeks that followed.
Last week, Blake confirmed the municipality is also reviewing its role during the wildfire and lessons its people can learn.
And in an interview last month, Fire Chief Jody Butz said he expects the reports will have “some hard truths” for everyone involved. However, he is proud of how the municipality’s urban, rural and industrial firefighters performed last year. He had not seen any draft copies of the reports.
“As time goes on, what we learn, I suspect, will have us rewrite the book on training and communication and a lot of other things,” said Butz.
Throughout the news conference, both Notley and Blake urged residents to seek help if they are facing any mental-health issues. Anxiety, depression and a variety of other emotional and psychological issues can be found throughout the region.
As time goes on, what we learn... will have us rewrite the book on training and communication and a lot of other things.